Ambulatory versus inpatient surgery for patients with known OSA or suspected OSA

OSA: obstructive sleep apnea; BMI: body mass index; PAP: positive airway pressure.
* This algorithm applies to patients who undergo procedures that are typically performed on an outpatient basis. Patients with suspected OSA are those with high risk based on STOP-Bang score.
¶ Other considerations include severity of OSA, other patient comorbidities, type of surgery (eg, airway surgery) and the capabilities of the outpatient facility (eg, availability of difficult airway equipment, respiratory care equipment, radiology facilites, clinical laboratory facilities, and a transfer agreement with an inpatient facility).
Δ Surgeons, patients, and family or caregivers must be made aware of the need for heightened vigilance after discharge home.